There is no perfect world. There can be a world which is described as a perfect world by definition of a group of people. However, it will not be accepted as a perfect world by another group of people because they have a different definition. Therefore, an absolute perfect world agreed by everybody is not possible.
Perfection, which is not absolute perfection, but contented by a group of people is possible. Therefore, it can be said that perfection is only possible when there is contentment. Thus, it is really just satisfaction. Lao Zi said: the permanent satisfaction is contentment 知足之足，恒足矣。The greatest perfection is imperfection. 大方无隅；大器免成；大音希声；大象无形。The greatest selfishness is selflessness 大私无私.
Since it is possible to have a perfectly imperfect or imperfectly perfect world, which provides permanent satisfaction, we should be satisfied to live in such a world. One must always be mindful that this is only possible when there’s contentment. The content hearts make a perfect world.
Wanting to have absolute perfection is a delusion. It is born out of greed or discontent. It will then cause the people to like certain things but dislike many other things which are taken as unbearable imperfections. One will start to have a lot of suffering due to fear, anger, hatred, grief, lamentations and despair. It is therefore a terrible world, far from being perfect. No one should wish to live in that kind of world. Chasing for absolute perfection will instead lead to narcissism which is an inferiority or complete opposite of perfection.
On the other hand, no one should endeavor to make the world more imperfect than it naturally is. No one should tell us to be content and keep quiet while the politicians destroy the country. We should not assume we don’t deserve to have a better life than we currently enjoy. No politicians should expect us to live only better than the poor people of Myanmar or India.
The Buddha said that desire is the cause of all suffering, but he never said that all desires are bad. In one of the Sutta in Majjhima Nikāya 95, Discourse with Caṅkī, the Buddha instructed that desire to practice holy life (leading to cessation of suffering) is essential:
“Desire, Bhāradvāja, is of much service to making an effort; should desire for it not be born, one could not make an effort for it; but if desire is born, then he makes an effort; therefore desire is of much service to making an effort.”
Desire for Enlightenment is essential initially; just like when we want to visit a place, we need to have the desire and exertion to start the journey and follow the right path. However, when we reach the destination, we don’t need the desire and exertion anymore. During the journey itself, if we are following the right path, we don’t have to keep thinking about reaching the destination and start having anxiety. The right path will surely lead us to the right destination; entering the stream will naturally lead us to the sea. If we have too much desire, i.e. wanting to reach the destination as quickly as possible, it will be counterproductive. We should instead enjoy the fun of the journey. A fertilized egg will definitely hatch when the time comes; wishing it to hatch earlier will be a delusion.
If you have too much desire to attain Enlightenment, your anxiety will be a hindrance to your effort. Your mind will not be able to calm down during meditation, thus leading to no progress. It is like desiring for perfection; obsession for perfection itself is already an imperfection. Therefore, true perfection will never be achieved.
RESILIENT KID 